The Duchess of Cambridge could not have looked more elegant at Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Matthews in her bespoke blush pink dress by Alexander McQueen. The idea of coming up with a look befitting a future Queen Consort that would not detract attention from the bride would be a challenge to most, but with this soft, sophisticated look the Duchess stunned without stealing the show from her sister.
My first thought when I saw the dress was how much it reminded me of the Duchess of Windsor's wedding dress. Wallis dressed in a polished, refined way all her life, using her dresses and coats as a backdrop to showcase her exquisite jewellery collection.
Wallis' wedding dress was designed by the American couturier Mainbocher, in a shade styled "Wallis Blue". Her wedding jewelry included her famous cross bracelet by Cartier, the diamond and sapphire 'Jarretiere' bracelet by Van Cleef and Arpels, and the Eventail clip earrings also by Van Cleef - all gifts from the Duke. The dress is now in the permanent collection of the Costume Institute at the Met, and the jewels were previously auctioned off by Sotheby's.
The Duchess of Cambridge went for a more subtle look, with minimal adornment for this particular occasion. Her only accessories were her Jane Taylor fascinator and Kiki McDonough earrings, and the result was a timeless look: beautiful but understated.
The Duchess of Cambridge:
The Duchess of Windsor:
Images of the Duchess of Cambridge from The Daily Mail UK.
Images of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor by Cecil Beaton; Jewelry from Van Cleef and Arpels.